How Democrats Fight Racial Injustice, 55 Years After the Civil Rights Act

2 months ago

Today, July 2, 2019, we mark the 55th Anniversary of enactment of the Civil Rights Act. A crowning achievement of the Civil Rights Movement, that landmark law protects African-Americans’ right to vote and combats racial segregation in public arenas.

But decades later, the promise of the Civil Rights Act remains, in many ways, unfulfilled.

At every level, PA Democrats are upholding the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by working for racial justice in Pennsylvania and nationwide!

Combating Voter Suppression

Though the Civil Rights Act sought to ensure equal voting access, voter suppression continues to this day. It’s simply taken on sneakier forms like racial gerrymandering and voter ID laws.

Finally, Dems must defend against racial discrimination in the workplace. That means strengthening labor laws, supporting strong unions, and electing judges who’ll work for the people. All of those are top Democratic priorities.

Coming to Terms with a Racist Past

Finally, we must acknowledge that we can’t secure a brighter future without accepting, and atoning for, the mistakes of our past.

Much bolder steps are being considered as well. Congressman Evans and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, among others, want to establish a commission to study reparations for slavery, even co-sponsoring a bill to the effect.

What You Can Do

To preserve democracy and make progress on all of these issues, we must ensure every person has equal access to the polls, regardless of race.

Sign our petition to tell representatives in Harrisburg and Washington that we must pass stronger voting protections!